Method of identifying direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor, apparatus for identifying direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor, and method of manufacturing stacked ceramic capacitor

ABSTRACT

In a method of identifying a direction of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitor, while density of magnetic flux generated from a magnetism generation apparatus is measured with a magnetic flux density measurement instrument, a stacked ceramic capacitor is caused to pass between a magnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurement instrument and variation in magnetic flux density at least at the time of passage of the stacked ceramic capacitor is measured. Based on a result of measurement of magnetic flux density, a direction in which a plurality of internal electrodes are stacked in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of identifying a direction ofstacking in a stacked ceramic capacitor, an apparatus for identifying adirection of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitor, and a method ofmanufacturing a stacked ceramic capacitor.

2. Description of the Related Art

A stacked ceramic capacitor has a plurality of internal electrodesstacked in one direction. Therefore, in connection with the stackedceramic capacitor, there is a demand for identifying a direction inwhich the internal electrodes are stacked. For example, however, when astacked ceramic capacitor has a square prism shape, it is difficult toidentify based on appearance a direction in which internal electrodesare stacked in the stacked ceramic capacitor.

For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-115033 describes a methodallowing identification of a direction in which internal electrodes arestacked in a stacked ceramic capacitor, regardless of appearance.Specifically, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-115033 discloses amethod of measuring magnetic flux density in a stacked ceramic capacitorby applying a certain magnetic field to one surface to which an internalelectrode layer is not extracted and identifying a direction in whichinternal electrode layers are stacked based on intensity ofmagnetization. This method makes use of a difference in measuredmagnetic flux density between a state in which a capacitor is arrangedin an orientation in which internal electrodes are substantially inparallel to a magnetic flux (as a capacitor, internal electrodes extendin a direction perpendicular to a bottom surface) and a state in which acapacitor is arranged in an orientation in which the internal electrodesare substantially perpendicular to the magnetic flux (as a capacitor,internal electrodes are in a direction parallel to a bottom surface).

A difference in measured magnetic flux density, however, is very small,between a case in which a direction of stacking of internal electrodesis parallel to a direction of magnetic flux and a case in which adirection of stacking of internal electrodes is perpendicular to adirection of magnetic flux. In addition, measured magnetic flux densityis greatly dependent on a positional relationship between a magnet, anda sensor probe and a capacitor. In particular, in a small stackedceramic capacitor, an influence caused by a positional relationshipbetween a magnet, and a sensor probe and a capacitor on measuredmagnetic flux density is significant.

Thus, since a difference in magnetic flux density measured at the timewhen a direction is different is small and the measured magnetic fluxdensity is significantly different depending on a position of acapacitor at the time of measurement, it is difficult to accuratelyidentify a direction in a stacked ceramic capacitor with the methoddescribed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-115033.

This issue will more specifically be described. For example, a case inwhich a magnetic flux density for a stacked ceramic capacitor having alength dimension of 1 mm, a width dimension of 0.5 mm, and a heightdimension of 0.5 mm and having a capacitance of 4.7 μF is measured undercertain measurement conditions is assumed. Maximum magnetic flux densityof this stacked ceramic capacitor in a case in which a direction ofstacking of internal electrodes is parallel to a direction of magneticflux is approximately 53.6 mT. On the other hand, the maximum magneticflux density of this stacked ceramic capacitor in a case in which adirection of stacking of internal electrodes is perpendicular to adirection of magnetic flux is approximately 52.3 mT. Therefore, in thisstacked ceramic capacitor, a maximum value of magnetic flux density isdifferent only by 1.3 mT between a case in which the direction ofstacking of the internal electrodes is parallel to the direction ofmagnetic flux and the case in which the direction of stacking of theinternal electrodes is perpendicular to the direction of magnetic flux.Thus, a difference in maximum value of magnetic flux density between thecase in which the direction of stacking of the internal electrodes isparallel to the direction of magnetic flux and the case in which thedirection of stacking of the internal electrodes is perpendicular to thedirection of magnetic flux is only 2.4% with respect to the maximumvalue of magnetic flux density in the case in which the direction ofstacking of the internal electrodes is parallel to the direction ofmagnetic flux.

In addition, a magnetic flux density of a stacked ceramic capacitor inwhich a direction of stacking of internal electrodes is parallel to adirection of magnetic flux at the time when a measurement position forthe stacked ceramic capacitor is displaced by 0.3 mm from a centralposition of the stacked ceramic capacitor is approximately 52.3 mT, andit is substantially equal to the maximum value of magnetic flux densityof the stacked ceramic capacitor (when a measurement position is at acentral position of the stacked ceramic capacitor) when the direction ofstacking of the internal electrodes is perpendicular to the direction ofmagnetic flux. Thus, when a measurement position for a stacked ceramiccapacitor may change by 0.3 mm or more, it is difficult to identify adirection in a stacked ceramic capacitor. This issue is more noticeablebecause it becomes difficult to set a measurement position to a centralposition as a stacked ceramic capacitor is reduced in size, for example,when the stacked ceramic capacitor has a 1005 size or smaller having alength dimension of 1 mm, a width dimension of 0.5 mm, and a heightdimension of 0.5 mm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a method allowingaccurate identification of a direction of stacking in a stacked ceramiccapacitor.

A method of identifying a direction of stacking in a stacked ceramiccapacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the present inventionis a method of identifying a direction of stacking of a plurality ofinternal electrodes in a stacked ceramic capacitor including theplurality of internal electrodes stacked in one direction. The method ofidentifying a direction of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitorincludes the steps of measuring a variation in magnetic flux density atleast at a time of passage of the stacked ceramic capacitor by causingthe stacked ceramic capacitor to pass between a magnetism generationapparatus and a magnetic flux density measurement instrument whiledensity of magnetic flux generated from the magnetism generationapparatus is measured with the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument and identifying a direction of stacking of the plurality ofinternal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor based on a resultof measurement of magnetic flux density in the step of measuring thevariation in magnetic flux density.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, a maximum value of magnetic fluxdensity is calculated based on a result of measurement of the magneticflux density, and a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified based on thecalculated maximum value of the magnetic flux density.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, a first range which is a range of amaximum value of magnetic flux density in a case in which a direction ofstacking of the plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramiccapacitor is parallel or substantially parallel to a direction ofmagnetic flux and a second range which is a range of the maximum valueof magnetic flux density in a case in which a direction of stacking ofthe plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor isperpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of magneticflux are set, and a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified based onwhether the maximum value of the measured magnetic flux density belongsto the first or second range.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step ofmeasuring a variation in magnetic flux density is performed successivelyfor each of a plurality of stacked ceramic capacitors aligned at aninterval, and in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, amagnetic flux density immediately before passage of the stacked ceramiccapacitor between the magnetism generation apparatus and the magneticflux density measurement instrument is calculated based on the result ofmeasurement of the magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking ofthe plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor isidentified based on the magnetic flux density immediately beforepassage.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, a magnetic flux density immediatelyafter passage of the stacked ceramic capacitor between the magnetismgeneration apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument is further calculated based on the result of measurement ofthe magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking of the pluralityof internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identifiedbased on both of the magnetic flux density immediately before passageand the magnetic flux density immediately after passage.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, a difference between a maximumvalue of magnetic flux density and a magnetic flux density immediatelybefore the stacked ceramic capacitor reaches a position between themagnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument is calculated based on the result of measurement of themagnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking of the plurality ofinternal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified basedon the difference in magnetic flux density.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, an average value of magnetic fluxdensities during passage of the stacked ceramic capacitor between themagnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument is calculated based on the result of measurement of themagnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking of the plurality ofinternal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified basedon the average value of the magnetic flux densities.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, the result of measurement of themagnetic flux density is smoothed by taking a moving average of measuredmagnetic flux densities.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofmeasuring a variation in magnetic flux density, the stacked ceramiccapacitor is not turned when the stacked ceramic capacitor is caused topass between the magnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic fluxdensity measurement instrument.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the step ofmeasuring a variation in magnetic flux density, a variation in magneticflux density at the time when each of a plurality of stacked ceramiccapacitors passes is successively measured by causing a series ofstacked ceramic capacitors, in which the stacked ceramic capacitor isaccommodated in each of a plurality of accommodation chambers providedat an interval in a longitudinal direction of a tape body, to passbetween the magnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument in the longitudinal direction.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accommodationchamber is larger than the stacked ceramic capacitor in a plan view.

An apparatus for identifying a direction of stacking in a stackedceramic capacitor according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention identifies a direction of stacking of a plurality of internalelectrodes in a stacked ceramic capacitor including the plurality ofinternal electrodes stacked in one direction. The apparatus foridentifying a direction of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitorincludes a magnetism generation apparatus, a magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument measuring density of magnetic flux generated fromthe magnetism generation apparatus, a transportation apparatus causingthe stacked ceramic capacitor to pass between the magnetism generationapparatus and the magnetic flux density measurement instrument, and anidentification portion. The magnetic flux density measurement instrumentmeasures a variation in magnetic flux density at least at the time ofpassage of the stacked ceramic capacitor. The identification portionidentifies a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor based on a result ofmeasurement of the magnetic flux density output from the magnetic fluxdensity measurement instrument.

A method of manufacturing a stacked ceramic capacitor according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention includes the steps offabricating a stacked ceramic capacitor including a plurality ofinternal electrodes stacked in one direction and identifying a directionof stacking of the plurality of internal electrodes in the stackedceramic capacitor with the method of identifying a direction of stackingin a stacked ceramic capacitor described above.

According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, adirection of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitor is accuratelyidentified.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments withreference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a stacked ceramic capacitoraccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stacked ceramic capacitor inFIG. 1 when viewed in a direction of an arrow II-II.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a series of stacked ceramiccapacitors according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the series of stacked ceramic capacitorsaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for identifying adirection of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitor according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of lines of magnetic force in a case inwhich no stacked ceramic capacitor is present between a magnetismgeneration apparatus and a magnetic flux density measurement instrument.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of lines of magnetic force in a case inwhich a stacked ceramic capacitor is located between the magnetismgeneration apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument such that internal electrodes are perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of magnetic flux (as acapacitor, the internal electrodes extend in a direction parallel orsubstantially parallel to a bottom surface).

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of lines of magnetic force in a case inwhich a stacked ceramic capacitor is located between the magnetismgeneration apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument such that internal electrodes are parallel or substantiallyparallel to a direction of magnetic flux (as a capacitor, the internalelectrodes extend in a direction perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular to a bottom surface).

FIG. 9 is a schematic graph representing magnetic flux density in a casein which stacked ceramic capacitors are aligned in an order of aparallel product, a parallel product, and a parallel product.

FIG. 10 is a schematic graph representing magnetic flux density in acase in which stacked ceramic capacitors are aligned in an order of aperpendicular product, a perpendicular product, and a perpendicularproduct.

FIG. 11 is a schematic graph representing magnetic flux density in acase in which stacked ceramic capacitors are aligned in an order of aparallel product, a perpendicular product, and a parallel product.

FIG. 12 is a schematic graph representing magnetic flux density in acase in which stacked ceramic capacitors are aligned in an order of aperpendicular product, a parallel product, and a perpendicular product.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart representing a first stack directionidentification method.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representing a second stack directionidentification method.

FIG. 15 is a schematic graph representing magnetic flux density in acase in which stacked ceramic capacitors are aligned in an order of aperpendicular product, a parallel product, and a parallel product.

FIG. 16 is a schematic graph representing magnetic flux density in acase in which stacked ceramic capacitors are aligned in an order of aparallel product, a perpendicular product, and a perpendicular product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention willbe described hereinafter. It is noted that the preferred embodimentsdescribed below are merely examples. The present invention is notlimited to the preferred embodiments described below.

In addition, in each drawing referred to in a description of a preferredembodiment or the like, a member having substantially the same functionhas the same reference sign. Moreover, a drawing referred to in apreferred embodiment or the like is schematic. A scale or the like of adimension of an object drawn in the drawings may be different from ascale or the like of a dimension of an actual object. A scale or thelike of a dimension of an object may be different between the drawings.A specific scale or the like of a dimension of an object should bedetermined with reference to the description below.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method ofidentifying a direction of stacking in a stacked ceramic capacitor 1shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. Initially, an example of aconstruction of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 to be identified will bedescribed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 includes aceramic element 10. Ceramic element 10 preferably has a substantiallyparallelepiped shape, for example. Specifically, ceramic element 10preferably has a square prism shape, for example. Ceramic element 10includes first and second main surfaces 10 a, 10 b, first and secondside surfaces 10 c, 10 d, and first and second end surfaces 10 e, 10 f(see FIG. 2).

First and second main surfaces 10 a, 10 b extend along a lengthdirection L and a width direction W. First main surface 10 a and secondmain surface 10 b are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.First and second side surfaces 10 c, 10 d extend along length directionL and a thickness direction T. First side surface 10 c and second sidesurface 10 d are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Firstand second end surfaces 10 e, 10 f extend along width direction W andthickness direction T. First end surface 10 e and second end surface 10f are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

A dimension of ceramic element 10 in length direction L is preferablyfrom about 0.4 mm to about 2.0 mm and more preferably from about 0.6 mmto about 1.0 mm, for example. A dimension of ceramic element 10 in widthdirection W is preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 1.2 mm and morepreferably from about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm, for example. A dimensionof ceramic element 10 in thickness direction T is preferably from about0.2 mm to about 1.2 mm and more preferably from about 0.3 mm to about0.5 mm, for example.

What is called a 1005 size or smaller, in which a dimension in lengthdirection L is not greater than about 1.0 mm and a dimension in widthdirection W and thickness direction T is not greater than about 0.5 mm,is preferred because a position of measurement of magnetic flux densitytends to vary from a central position of a stacked ceramic capacitor inparticular in a case of a small product not greater than the 1005 size.In addition, what is called a 0603 size or greater, in which a dimensionin length direction L is not smaller than about 0.6 mm and a dimensionin width direction W and thickness direction T is not smaller than about0.3 mm, is preferred because higher density of internal electrodesfacilitates identification of a direction based on magnetic fluxdensity. For similar reasons, a stacked ceramic capacitor having acapacitance not lower than about 1 μF preferably is suitable for variouspreferred embodiments of the present invention.

Ceramic element 10 can be made, for example, of a material mainlycomposed of dielectric ceramics. Specific examples of dielectricceramics include BaTiO₃, CaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, CaZrO₃, and the like. Toceramic element 10, for example, a sub component such as an Mn compound,an Mg compound, an Si compound, a Co compound, an Ni compound, arare-earth compound, and the like may be added as appropriate.

It is noted that “substantially parallelepiped” includes aparallelepiped shape of which a corner portion or a ridge line portionis beveled or a parallelepiped of which corner portion or ridge lineportion is rounded.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of internal electrodes 11, 12 areprovided in ceramic element 10. The plurality of internal electrodes 11,12 are stacked in thickness direction T. Each internal electrode 11, 12is arranged parallel or substantially parallel to length direction L andwidth direction W. In ceramic element 10, internal electrode 11 andinternal electrode 12 are alternately provided in thickness direction T.A ceramic portion 15 is arranged between internal electrodes 11, 12adjacent in thickness direction T. The internal electrodes 11, 12adjacent in thickness direction T are opposed to each other with ceramicportion 15 located therebetween.

Internal electrode 11 is extracted to first end surface 10 e. Anexternal electrode 13 is provided on first end surface 10 e. Externalelectrode 13 is electrically connected to internal electrode 11.Internal electrode 12 is extracted to second end surface 10 f. Anexternal electrode 14 is provided on second end surface 10 f. Externalelectrode 14 is electrically connected to internal electrode 12.

Internal electrode 11, 12 can be composed of such a magnetic material asNi, for example. External electrodes 13, 14 can be composed, forexample, of an appropriate conductive material such as Ni, Cu, Ag, Pd,Au, and an Ag—Pd alloy.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is included in aseries of stacked ceramic capacitors 2. The series of stacked ceramiccapacitors 2 includes a tape body 20. Tape body 20 includes a pluralityof parallelepiped accommodation chambers 21 provided at an interval in alongitudinal direction. Stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is accommodated ineach of the plurality of accommodation chambers 21. In a plan view,accommodation chamber 21 is greater than stacked ceramic capacitor 1.Therefore, in accommodation chamber 21, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 canmove two-dimensionally. As a position of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 inaccommodation chamber 21 varies for each accommodation chamber 21, anamount of variation from a central position of the stacked ceramiccapacitor at the time of measurement of magnetic flux density alsovaries for each accommodation chamber 21.

It is noted that stacked ceramic capacitor 1 may be a stacked ceramiccapacitor of a three-terminal or multi-terminal type including a sidesurface electrode, in addition to a two-terminal-type stacked ceramiccapacitor as shown in FIG. 1.

An apparatus 3 for identifying a direction of stacking in a stackedceramic capacitor (hereinafter simply referred to as an “identificationapparatus 3”) is an apparatus for identifying a direction of stacking ofa plurality of internal electrodes 11, 12 in stacked ceramic capacitor1. Hereinafter, a “direction of stacking of a plurality of internalelectrodes 11, 12 in stacked ceramic capacitor 1” will herein be denotedas a “stacking direction in stacked ceramic capacitor 1.”

As shown in FIG. 5, identification apparatus 3 includes a magnetismgeneration apparatus 31 and a magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32. Magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 isarranged to be able to detect density of magnetic flux generated inmagnetism generation apparatus 31. Magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32 measures density of magnetic flux generated from magnetismgeneration apparatus 31.

Identification apparatus 3 further includes a transportation apparatus35. Transportation apparatus 35 causes stacked ceramic capacitor 1 topass between magnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32. Specifically, transportation apparatus 35includes a first roller 33 and a second roller 34. The series of stackedceramic capacitors 2 is wound around first roller 33, and the series ofstacked ceramic capacitors 2 is sent from the first roller 33. Theseries of stacked ceramic capacitors 2 which has passed betweenmagnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32 is wound around second roller 34.

Magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 measures variation inmagnetic flux density at least at the time of passage of stacked ceramiccapacitor 1. Magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 outputs aresult of measurement to an identification portion 36. Identificationportion 36 identifies a direction of stacking in stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 based on a result of measurement of magnetic flux densityoutput from magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32.Identification portion 36 successively identifies a direction ofstacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 for a plurality of stackedceramic capacitors 1 arranged at an interval from one another in theseries of stacked ceramic capacitors 2.

In manufacturing of stacked ceramic capacitor 1, initially, stackedceramic capacitor 1 is fabricated. Then, fabricated stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 is accommodated in tape body 20 to fabricate the series ofstacked ceramic capacitors 2. Then, a direction of stacking in stackedceramic capacitor 1 accommodated in the series of stacked ceramiccapacitors 2 is identified. Consequently, for example, a ratio ofalignment of stacked ceramic capacitors (a ratio of matching of adirection of stacking in a plurality of stacked ceramic capacitors) ischecked, and when stacked ceramic capacitor 1 of which direction ofstacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is different from a desireddirection is detected, that stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is marked orexcluded.

A method of identification of a direction of stacking in stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 carried out by identification portion 36 will now bedescribed.

Initially, principles of the stacking direction identification method inthe present preferred embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, while no stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 is located between magnetism generation apparatus 31 andmagnetic flux density measurement instrument 32, an interval betweenlines of magnetic force L which pass magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32 is greatest. In other words, the number of lines ofmagnetic force L per unit area is small and a low value for magneticflux density is obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is locatedbetween magnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32, an interval between lines of magnetic force Lwhich pass magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 is narrowerthan when no stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is located. In other words, thenumber of lines of magnetic force L per unit area is greater, and a highvalue for magnetic flux density is obtained.

Among others, an interval between lines of magnetic force L which passmagnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 is narrower in a caseshown in FIG. 8 that a direction of stacking of internal electrodes 11,12 is parallel or substantially parallel to a direction of magnetic flux(as a capacitor, internal electrodes are in a direction perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to a bottom surface) than in a case shown inFIG. 7 that it is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (as acapacitor, internal electrodes extend in a direction parallel orsubstantially parallel to the bottom surface). In other words, thenumber of lines of magnetic force L per unit area is greater, and a highvalue for magnetic flux density is obtained.

Therefore, magnetic flux density measured with magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32 varies depending on presence and absence ofstacked ceramic capacitor 1 and a direction of stacking in stackedceramic capacitor 1. In the identification method in the presentpreferred embodiment, this principle is used to identify a direction ofstacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1.

While density of magnetic flux generated from magnetism generationapparatus 31 is measured with magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is caused to pass betweenmagnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32 and variation in magnetic flux density at least at thetime of passage of stacked ceramic capacitor is measured. Then,identification portion 36 identifies a direction of stacking in stackedceramic capacitor 1 based on a result of measurement of magnetic fluxdensity.

Thus, in the present preferred embodiment, in order to measure variationin magnetic flux density at the time of passage, stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 is not turned when stacked ceramic capacitor 1 is caused topass between magnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32. By causing stacked ceramic capacitor 1 topass without turning the same, variation in measurement position due toturning can be avoided.

The identification method in the present preferred embodiment will nowbe described in further detail with reference to examples shown in FIGS.9 to 12. It is noted that, in FIGS. 9 to 12, the abscissa represents acoordinate of a position of measurement of magnetic flux density in adirection of extension of the series of stacked ceramic capacitors 2. InFIGS. 9 to 12, the ordinate represents magnetic flux density measuredwith magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32.

In the present preferred embodiment, identification portion 36 smoothesmagnetic flux density data by taking a moving average of unprocessedmagnetic flux density data output from magnetic flux density measurementinstrument 32. The graphs shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 represent smootheddata. In the present preferred embodiment, a direction of stacking instacked ceramic capacitor 1 is identified by using smoothed data asshown in FIGS. 9 to 12.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, a stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a,a stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b, and a stacked ceramic capacitor 1 c arealigned in this order from the second roller 34 side. Therefore, stackedceramic capacitor 1 a, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b, and stackedceramic capacitor 1 c pass between magnetism generation apparatus 31 andmagnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 in that order. Here, acase in which a direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 bis identified will be described.

It is noted that a capacitor in which a direction of stacking ofinternal electrodes 11, 12 is perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular to a direction of magnetic flux is defined as a “parallelproduct” (because internal electrodes are arranged parallel orsubstantially parallel to a bottom surface as a stacked ceramiccapacitor). A capacitor in which a direction of stacking of internalelectrodes 11, 12 is parallel or substantially parallel to a directionof magnetic flux is defined as an “perpendicular product” (becauseinternal electrodes are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular toa bottom surface as a stacked ceramic capacitor).

In addition, regarding measured magnetic flux density, not only magneticflux density in a region where stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is locatedvaries depending on a direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor1 b, but also magnetic flux density in a region where stacked ceramiccapacitors 1 a to 1 c are not located varies under influence of adirection of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitors 1 a to 1 c beforeand after passage.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, stacked ceramic capacitors 1 a to 1 care all parallel products. In the example shown in FIG. 10, stackedceramic capacitors 1 a to 1 c are all perpendicular products.

Therefore, magnetic flux density measured at a position intermediatebetween stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a and stacked ceramic capacitor 1 battains D0 in an example shown in FIG. 9 in which stacked ceramiccapacitors 1 a, 1 b are both parallel products, whereas it attains D2higher than D0 in an example shown in FIG. 10 in which stacked ceramiccapacitors 1 a, 1 b are both perpendicular products.

Alternatively, magnetic flux density measured in a region where stackedceramic capacitor 1 b is located attains D3 in the example as shown inFIG. 9 in which stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is a parallel product,whereas it attains D4 higher than D3 in the example as shown in FIG. 10in which stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is a perpendicular product.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a is aparallel product and stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is a perpendicularproduct. Therefore, magnetic flux density measured at a positionintermediate between stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a and stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b attains D1 which is higher than D0 and lower than D2.Magnetic flux density measured in a region where stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b is located attains D4.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a is aperpendicular product and stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is a parallelproduct. Therefore, magnetic flux density measured at a positionintermediate between stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a and stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b attains D1 which is higher than D0 and lower than D2.Magnetic flux density measured in a region where stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b is located attains D3.

It is noted that a difference in magnetic flux density between D2 and D3is generally smaller than a difference in magnetic flux density betweenD3 and D4.

Furthermore, magnetic flux density at a central position of stackedceramic capacitor 1 b is significantly different from magnetic fluxdensity at an end portion of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b. For example,magnetic flux density at the end portion of stacked ceramic capacitor 1b is approximately an average of magnetic flux density at the centralposition of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b and magnetic flux densitymeasured at a position intermediate between stacked ceramic capacitor 1a and stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b.

More specific first to fourth stack direction identification methodswill be described below.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the first stack direction identificationmethod. As shown in FIG. 13, in the first stack direction identificationmethod, initially, in step S1, identification portion 36 calculates amaximum value of magnetic flux density from a result of measurementoutput from magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32. Then, instep S2, identification portion 36 identifies a direction of stacking instacked ceramic capacitor 1 b based on the maximum value of magneticflux density.

As described previously, maximum value D4 of magnetic flux densitymeasured when a direction of stacking of internal electrodes 11, 12 isparallel or substantially parallel to a direction of magnetic flux (aperpendicular product) is greater than maximum value D3 of magnetic fluxdensity measured when a direction of stacking of internal electrodes 11,12 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction ofmagnetic flux (a parallel product). Therefore, by referring to themaximum value of magnetic flux density, a direction of stacking instacked ceramic capacitor 1 b can be identified.

Specifically, D3, D4 may be calculated and set from a plurality ofresults of measurement and a maximum value of magnetic flux densitymeasured subsequently may be compared with D3, D4, or D3, D4 may bedetermined and set in advance and a maximum value of measured magneticflux density may be compared with D3, D4 set in advance. Consequently,when a maximum value of magnetic flux density is D4, determination as aperpendicular product can be made, and when it is D3, determination as aparallel product can be made.

It is noted that, actually, a maximum value of magnetic flux densitymeasured when a direction of stacking of internal electrodes 11, 12 isparallel or substantially parallel to a direction of magnetic flux, amaximum value measured when it is perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular thereto, or the like does not attain to a certain valuebut it has a range. Therefore, D0 to D4 each have a range.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart representing the second stack directionidentification method. As shown in FIG. 14, in the second stackdirection identification method, initially, in step S3, magnetic fluxdensity immediately before stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b reaches aposition between magnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic fluxdensity measurement instrument 32 (immediately-before magnetic fluxdensity) is calculated. Then, in step S4, identification portion 36identifies a direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 bbased on the immediately-before magnetic flux density.

As described previously, immediately-before magnetic flux densitymeasured when a direction of stacking of internal electrodes 11, 12 isparallel or substantially parallel to a direction of magnetic flux isdifferent from immediately-before magnetic flux density measured when adirection of stacking of internal electrodes 11, 12 is perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of magnetic flux.Specifically, measured immediately-before magnetic flux density isdifferent among a case where both of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b whichis going to pass and stacked ceramic capacitor 1 a which has previouslypassed are parallel products, a case where both of them areperpendicular products, and a case where one of them is a parallelproduct and the other is a perpendicular product.

Therefore, a direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b isidentified by referring to immediately-before magnetic flux density.Specifically, when measured immediately-before magnetic flux density isD0, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is identified as a parallel product.When measured immediately-before magnetic flux density is D2, stackedceramic capacitor 1 b is identified as a perpendicular product. Whenmeasured immediately-before magnetic flux density is D1, one of stackedceramic capacitor 1 a which has previously passed and stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b which is going to pass is identified as a perpendicularproduct and the other of them is identified as a parallel product.Therefore, in order to reliably identify a direction in stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b which is going to pass, another identification method ispreferably further performed.

For example, magnetic flux density immediately after passage of stackedceramic capacitor 1 b between magnetism generation apparatus 31 andmagnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 (immediately-aftermagnetic flux density) may further be calculated and a direction ofstacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b may be identified by furtherreferring to immediately-after magnetic flux density. Specifically, whenimmediately-before magnetic flux density is D1 and immediately-aftermagnetic flux density is D0 as shown in FIG. 15, stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b is identified as a parallel product. Whenimmediately-before magnetic flux density is D1 and immediately-aftermagnetic flux density is D2 as shown in FIG. 16, stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b is identified as a perpendicular product. Whenimmediately-before magnetic flux density is D1 and immediately-aftermagnetic flux density is D1, magnetic flux density immediately afterpassage of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 c between magnetism generationapparatus 31 and magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 shouldonly further be referred to. Thus, by conducting measurement untilimmediately-after magnetic flux density attains D0 or D2, a direction instacked ceramic capacitor 1 is ascertained.

In the third identification method, initially, a relationship between amaximum value of magnetic flux density at the time of passage of stackedceramic capacitor 1 b between magnetism generation apparatus 31 andmagnetic flux density measurement instrument 32 and a value for magneticflux density immediately before (or immediately after) stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b reaches a position between magnetism generation apparatus31 and magnetic flux density measurement instrument 32, such as adifference in value therebetween (magnetic flux density difference), iscalculated. Then, identification portion 36 identifies a direction ofstacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b based on a difference inmagnetic flux density.

The third stack direction identification method is effective to identifywhether magnetic flux density is magnetic flux density in a region wherea parallel product is located or magnetic flux density in a region wherea stacked ceramic capacitor is not located. This is because, in general,magnetic flux density D3 in a region where a parallel product is locatedand intermediate magnetic flux density D2 in a case in which a stackedceramic capacitor which is going to pass and a stacked ceramic capacitorwhich has previously passed are both perpendicular products may be closeto each other, within a range of variation.

For example, in a case in which there is an accommodation chamber whereno stacked ceramic capacitor is accommodated, in order to identifywhether a parallel product is accommodated in that accommodation chamberor nothing is accommodated in that accommodation chamber, presence andabsence of a stacked ceramic capacitor and a direction of stacking in astacked ceramic capacitor is identified by considering not only amaximum value or being before and after passage but also a relationshiptherebetween (determination as a parallel product being made if changetoward higher magnetic flux density is observed, determination thatnothing is accommodated being made if a change toward lower magneticflux density or no change is observed, or the like).

In the fourth stack direction identification method, an average value ofmagnetic flux densities during passage of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 bbetween magnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32 is calculated based on a result of measurementof magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking in stacked ceramiccapacitor 1 b is identified based on the average value. For example,when all of stacked ceramic capacitors 1 a to 1 c are perpendicularproducts, an average value is highest and when all of them are parallelproducts, an average value is lowest.

Two or more of the first to fourth stack direction identificationmethods above may be performed as combined. By doing so, identificationaccuracy can be improved.

As described above, in various preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, while density of magnetic flux generated from magnetismgeneration apparatus 31 is measured with magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32, stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is caused topass between magnetism generation apparatus 31 and magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument 32 and variation in magnetic flux density atleast at the time of passage of stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b ismeasured. Then, a direction of stacking in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 bis identified based on the variation in magnetic flux density.Therefore, as described above, a direction of stacking of internalelectrodes 11, 12 in stacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is identified withhigh accuracy. For example, even when accommodation chamber 21 isgreater than stacked ceramic capacitor 1 and stacked ceramic capacitor 1is displaced, a direction of stacking of internal electrodes 11, 12 instacked ceramic capacitor 1 b is identified with high accuracy.

Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention has beendescribed and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that thesame is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be takenby way of limitation, the scope of the present invention beinginterpreted by the terms of the appended claims.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention,therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.

1. (canceled) 2: A method of identifying a direction of stacking in astacked ceramic capacitor, the method comprising the steps of: measuringa variation in magnetic flux density at least at a time of passage ofthe stacked ceramic capacitor by causing the stacked ceramic capacitorto pass between a magnetism generation apparatus and a magnetic fluxdensity measurement instrument while a density of magnetic fluxgenerated from the magnetism generation apparatus is measured with themagnetic flux density measurement instrument; and identifying adirection of stacking of a plurality of internal electrodes in thestacked ceramic capacitor based on a result of measurement of magneticflux density in the step of measuring a variation in magnetic fluxdensity. 3: The method according to claim 2, wherein in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, a maximum value of magnetic fluxdensity is calculated based on the result of measurement of the magneticflux density, and a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified based on amaximum value of the magnetic flux density. 4: The method according toclaim 3, wherein in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, afirst range which is a range of the maximum value of magnetic fluxdensity in a case in which a direction of stacking of the plurality ofinternal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is parallel orsubstantially parallel to a direction of magnetic flux and a secondrange which is a range of the maximum value of magnetic flux density ina case in which a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of magnetic flux are set, anda direction of stacking of the plurality of internal electrodes in thestacked ceramic capacitor is identified based on whether the maximumvalue of measured magnetic flux density belongs to the first or secondrange. 5: The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of measuringa variation in magnetic flux density is performed successively for eachof a plurality of the stacked ceramic capacitors aligned at an interval;and in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, a magnetic fluxdensity immediately before passage of the stacked ceramic capacitorbetween the magnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument is calculated based on the result of measurementof the magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking of theplurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor isidentified based on the magnetic flux density immediately beforepassage. 6: The method according to claim 5, wherein in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, magnetic flux density immediatelyafter passage of the stacked ceramic capacitor between the magnetismgeneration apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument is further calculated based on the result of measurement ofthe magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking of the pluralityof internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identifiedbased on both of the magnetic flux density immediately before thepassage and the magnetic flux density immediately after the passage. 7:The method according to claim 2, wherein in the step of identifying adirection of stacking, a difference between a maximum value of magneticflux density and magnetic flux density immediately before the stackedceramic capacitor reaches a position between the magnetism generationapparatus and the magnetic flux density measurement instrument iscalculated based on a result of measurement of the magnetic fluxdensity, and a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified based on thedifference in magnetic flux density. 8: The method according to claim 2,wherein in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, an averagevalue of magnetic flux densities during passage of the stacked ceramiccapacitor between the magnetism generation apparatus and the magneticflux density measurement instrument is calculated based on the result ofmeasurement of the magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking ofthe plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor isidentified based on the average value of the magnetic flux densities. 9:The method according to claim 2, wherein in the step of identifying adirection of stacking, the result of measurement of the magnetic fluxdensity is smoothed by taking a moving average of measured magnetic fluxdensities. 10: The method according to claim 2, wherein in the step ofmeasuring a variation in magnetic flux density, the stacked ceramiccapacitor is not turned when the stacked ceramic capacitor is caused topass between the magnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic fluxdensity measurement instrument. 11: The method according to claim 2,wherein in the step of measuring a variation in magnetic flux density,the variation in magnetic flux density at a time when each of aplurality of the stacked ceramic capacitors passes is successivelymeasured by causing a series of stacked ceramic capacitors, in which thestacked ceramic capacitor is accommodated in each of a plurality ofaccommodation chambers provided at an interval in a longitudinaldirection of a tape body, to pass between the magnetism generationapparatus and the magnetic flux density measurement instrument in thelongitudinal direction. 12: The method according to claim 11, whereinthe accommodation chamber is larger than the stacked ceramic capacitorin a plan view. 13: An apparatus for identifying a direction of stackingin a stacked ceramic capacitor, the apparatus comprising: a magnetismgeneration apparatus; a magnetic flux density measurement instrumentthat measures a density of magnetic flux generated from the magnetismgeneration apparatus; a transportation apparatus causing the stackedceramic capacitor to pass between the magnetism generation apparatus andthe magnetic flux density measurement instrument; and an identificationportion; wherein the magnetic flux density measurement instrumentmeasures a variation in magnetic flux density at least at a time whenthe stacked ceramic capacitor is passing through; and the identificationportion identifies a direction of stacking of a plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor based on a result ofmeasurement of the magnetic flux density output from the magnetic fluxdensity measurement instrument. 14: A method of manufacturing a stackedceramic capacitor, comprising the steps of: fabricating a stackedceramic capacitor including a plurality of internal electrodes stackedin one direction; and identifying a direction of stacking of theplurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor byusing the method according to claim
 2. 15: The method according to claim14, wherein in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, amaximum value of magnetic flux density is calculated based on the resultof measurement of the magnetic flux density, and a direction of stackingof the plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitoris identified based on a maximum value of the magnetic flux density. 16:The method according to claim 15, wherein in the step of identifying adirection of stacking, a first range which is a range of the maximumvalue of magnetic flux density in a case in which a direction ofstacking of the plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramiccapacitor is parallel or substantially parallel to a direction ofmagnetic flux and a second range which is a range of the maximum valueof magnetic flux density in a case in which a direction of stacking ofthe plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor isperpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a direction of magneticflux are set, and a direction of stacking of the plurality of internalelectrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified based onwhether the maximum value of measured magnetic flux density belongs tothe first or second range. 17: The method according to claim 14, whereinthe step of measuring a variation in magnetic flux density is performedsuccessively for each of a plurality of the stacked ceramic capacitorsaligned at an interval; and in the step of identifying a direction ofstacking, a magnetic flux density immediately before passage of thestacked ceramic capacitor between the magnetism generation apparatus andthe magnetic flux density measurement instrument is calculated based onthe result of measurement of the magnetic flux density, and a directionof stacking of the plurality of internal electrodes in the stackedceramic capacitor is identified based on the magnetic flux densityimmediately before passage. 18: The method according to claim 17,wherein in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, magneticflux density immediately after passage of the stacked ceramic capacitorbetween the magnetism generation apparatus and the magnetic flux densitymeasurement instrument is further calculated based on the result ofmeasurement of the magnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking ofthe plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor isidentified based on both of the magnetic flux density immediately beforethe passage and the magnetic flux density immediately after the passage.19: The method according to claim 14, wherein in the step of identifyinga direction of stacking, a difference between a maximum value ofmagnetic flux density and magnetic flux density immediately before thestacked ceramic capacitor reaches a position between the magnetismgeneration apparatus and the magnetic flux density measurementinstrument is calculated based on a result of measurement of themagnetic flux density, and a direction of stacking of the plurality ofinternal electrodes in the stacked ceramic capacitor is identified basedon the difference in magnetic flux density. 20: The method according toclaim 14, wherein in the step of identifying a direction of stacking, anaverage value of magnetic flux densities during passage of the stackedceramic capacitor between the magnetism generation apparatus and themagnetic flux density measurement instrument is calculated based on theresult of measurement of the magnetic flux density, and a direction ofstacking of the plurality of internal electrodes in the stacked ceramiccapacitor is identified based on the average value of the magnetic fluxdensities. 21: The method according to claim 14, wherein in the step ofidentifying a direction of stacking, the result of measurement of themagnetic flux density is smoothed by taking a moving average of measuredmagnetic flux densities.